Hey Readers and fellow writers!
I know that feeling when you've just finished polishing your story or poem, and you're riding that creative high. You want to get it out into the world immediately, maybe win that shiny contest prize you've been eyeing.
But before your finger hovers over that submit button, let me save you from some rookie mistakes that could cost you more than just the entry fee.
Here's the thing about word counts in writing contests – they're not suggestions. They're hard rules. I've seen brilliant stories get disqualified because the author submitted 1,050 words to a contest with a 1,000-word maximum.
That's right, fifty measly words sent an otherwise winning entry straight to the rejection pile.
Always, and I mean always, double-check the word count requirements. Some contests want exactly 500 words, others give you a range like 750 - 900 words, and still others might have a maximum of 2000 words with no minimum.
Your word processor's count tool is your best friend here, but remember that different platforms sometimes count words differently.
When in doubt, aim for the middle of the range or slightly under the maximum.
Contest deadlines are like that friend who's always punctual – they wait for no one. Missing a deadline by even five minutes usually means your entry won't be considered, no matter how amazing your work is.
Here's what you need to know: submission deadlines typically use a specific time zone (often the contest organizer's local time), and they're usually firm at 11:59 PM on the stated date.
Pro tip: don't wait until the last day to submit. Technology has a wicked sense of humor and loves to crash right when you need it most.
Give yourself at least 24-48 hours buffer time. Mark the deadline in your calendar, set phone reminders, and treat it like the important appointment it is.
This one trips up more writers than you'd expect. Some contests have both minimum and maximum word counts, creating a sweet spot you need to hit.
A flash fiction contest might require between 300-1,000 words, while a short story competition could ask for 1,500 words.
Don't try to pad a 800-word story to meet a 1,500-word minimum by adding unnecessary descriptions or dialogue. Judges can spot filler from a mile away.
Similarly, don't submit a 500-word piece to a contest looking for longer work, thinking they'll appreciate your brevity. They won't – they'll question whether you can meet their requirements.
Here's where many new writers who enter (and sometimes many of us who aren't so new) get a rude awakening: most writing contests don't allow editing after submission. Once you hit submit, that's it – your entry is locked in stone. Found a typo the next morning? Realized you could improve that ending? Tough luck.
Always assume you can't edit after submitting and proofread accordingly. Read your entry aloud, use spell check, and consider having a trusted friend give it a quick once-over before you submit.
Before you submit anything, create a simple checklist: word count verified, deadline confirmed, entry requirements met, and final proofread completed.
It sounds basic, but you'd be amazed how many writers skip these steps in their excitement to enter.
Your job isn't just to write a great piece – it's to write a great piece that follows all the rules.
Take that extra time to read the fine print. Your future winning self will thank you.
Happy writing (and submitting)! |
Noticing Newbies: September 10, 2025 Issue [#13341]
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